A Guide to Information andIdentification of Kansas Snakes

Photo © by Suzanne L. CollinsUsed by permission

Where Do You Want to Begin?

List of Kansas Snakes

List of Douglas County Snakes

Identify Your Mystery Snake

Snake Facts

What is Your Snake IQ Quiz

Non-native snakes sometimes seen in Kansas

List of 39 Kansas Snakes1. Bull snake or Gopher snake2. Western rat snake3. Great plains rat snake4. Coach whip5. Eastern hognose snake6. Western hognose snake7. Plains milk snake8. Common king snake9. Prairie king snake10. Common garter snake11. Plains garter snake12. Checkered Garter snake13. Lined snake14. Ribbon snake15. Brown  snake16. Prairie ring neck snake17. Western Worm snake18. Ring neck snake19. Eastern Glossy snake  20. Plains Black headed snake21. Long nose snake* * Protected: Endangered, threatened,

or species in need of conservation

22. Grahams crayfish snake23.   Night snake*24.   Rough earth snake25.   Smooth earth snake26.   Flathead snake27. Ground snake28. Northern Water snake29 .  Diamond backed water snake30.   Plain belly  water snake31.   Rough green snake32.  Timber rattlesnake33.   Massasauga rattlesnake34.  Western rattlesnake35.  Cottonmouth36.    Copperhead37.   New Mexico blind snake38.   Eastern racer39.   Redbelly snake*

Douglas County Snakes1. Bull snake or Gopher snake2. Western rat snake3. Great plains rat snake4. Eastern hognose snake5. Plains milk snake6. Common king snake7. Prairie king snake8. Common garter snake9. Plains garter snake10. Lined snake11. Ribbon snake12. Brown snake13. Prairie ring neck snake14. Western Worm snake15. Ring neck snake16. Grahams crayfish snake17. Smooth earth snake18. Flathead snake19. Northern Water snake20. Diamond backed water snake21. Plain belly  water snake22. Rough green snake23. Timber rattlesnake24. Massasauga rattlesnake25. Copperhead26. Eastern racer27.        Redbelly snake*

• Kansas has 38 species of snakes.

• Only 5 species are venomous

• Only 2 kinds of venomous snakes regularly occur in Douglas County, copperheads and timber rattlesnakes.

•• No one has died from a venomous 

snakebite in Kansas for over 50 years

Snake Facts

Did You Know?Approximately 2500 different species of snakes are known worldwide. Approximately 20 % of the total number of the snake species are poisonous.The rattlesnake's rattle consists of six to 10 layers of scales,which fail to shed and make that distinctive sound when the tailis shaken as a warning. Eventually the older segments will slough as the rattle lengthens 

Snakes move slower than an adult human can run; the fastest recorded speed achieved by any snake is about 13 km/hr (8 mph), but few can go that fast 

The greatest age known for any snake is just under 30 years, attained by both the anaconda and the black‐lipped cobra. 

Snake Myths• Snakes always travel in pairs. This is false. Exceptions to the rule: during breeding season (usually April-June) you may see males and females together

• Most venomous snakes can jump at least 2 feet. Remember - snakes don't have legs! They can't jump

• Snakes spit. Not the ones in Kansas. The clumps of foam-looking spittle found on blackberry bushes and vines in Kansas are often thought to be "snake spit," but the fact is, this foam is produced by Spittle Bugs.

• Snakes won't cross a hemp rope. Snakes don't care about ropes. They will cross anything they can get over.

The Venomous Snakes of Kansas

Timber rattlesnake, Uncommon and protected species found in Douglas  County. Found in wooded areas.

CopperheadThe most common venomous snake in Douglas county. Copperhead venom is weak and death is humans is  almost unknown.

Massasauga rattlesnakeA small rattlesnake most common in central Kansas, only 2 records 

from Douglas  County

Western rattlesnakeFormerly known as the prairie rattlesnake, it is common in western Kansas.

CottonmouthFound  rarely, only in Cherokee County, KS

Venomous snakes rarely find their  way into suburban areas.withouthuman assistance. 

Photos © by Suzanne L. CollinsUsed by permission

1.Snakes are unable  to :A. TasteB.  HearC.  SleepD. Smell

a. Garter snakeb. A copperheadc. Northern water snaked. Cottonmouth

2.

Baby venomous snakes  have venom of the same concentration asAdult snakes.  They often lack experience in using it and empty their venom glands in each bite instead of conserving its use. 

One of these snakes is a harmless mimic of the other, which is venomous. Which is the harmless Kansas snake?

Correct.   B. Plains milksnakeThe  plains milksnake belongs to the kingsnakefamily.  It feeds mainly on other  snakes and lizards.Themilksnake’s bands are  red, black , yellow.

It‘s bright colors are a mimic pattern of the venomousCoral snake, which is not found in Kansas, but fartherSouth. The coral snakes bands  are red, yellow, black. 

This snake plays dead when threatened:A. The possum snake

B. The checkered garter snake

C. The gopher snake

D. The western hognose snake

Correct!The western hognose snake will roll over and twist its body as if it is dying.  This behavior discourages predators from eating it.   

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True or False:

You can tell how old a rattlesnake is by counting the number of sections on its rattle.

False.

Rattlesnakes add a new section to their rattle each time they shed.  They may shed up to 8 times a year.  As they grow the older sections of the rattle break off. 

What 2 things do lizards have that snakes do not?

1. Legs and tails2. Eyelids and ears3. Teeth and claws

Correct!  B. Eyelids and ears

Lizards have eyelids but snakes eyes are covered witha transparent scale.

Lizards can hear but snakes cannot.  Snakes cannot hear airborne sounds but sense vibrations through the earth .   

True or False:A venomous snake can bite even after death.

True!

Snakes may bite through the reflex action of their jawseven after death.  BE CAREFUL.

True or False? Some nonvenomous snakes are immune to the bites of rattlesnakes and can prey on them. 

Correct!  TrueThe family of kingsnakes which includes the milksnakes, prairie kingsnake and common kingsnakeare all immune to the bites of rattlesnakes and copperheads and will prey on them for  food.

True or False? Coachwhips roll in a hoop to escape when threatened.

Gopher SnakeAlso known as the bullsnake, this snake is found throughout  Kansas but is most common in  the central and western  prairies. 

It feeds on a variety of rodents, including  voles, rats, pocket gophers  and young prairie dogs.

Gopher snakes are the largest Snakes in Kansas reaching lengthsOf up to  8 ft. The are also considered to be the most economically beneficial, as theyoften feed on rodents aroundgrain storage areas. 

Photo © by Suzanne L. CollinsUsed by permission

Western or Black Rat Snake

The western rat snake is a largesnake found throughout the state, but is common in the eastern Kansas woodlands and frequents urban areas.  

Its name both identifies its family and it diet.  In addition to  rodents,  the  western rat snake feeds on birds and their eggs.  Its remarkable  ability to climbs permits it access to nests.   These snakes have been observed climbing power poles.

Juvenile western rat snakes are boldly patterned, but darken as they age.  The abdomen is creamy white.

CoachwhipThe long, slender coachwhip varies in color regionally from light gray to brown to nearly black in the western part of its range.

It is found in the southern and western prairie regions of Kansas.

Coachwhips feed on birds, bats lizards and other snakes.

Eastern Hognose Snake

The rare and secretive eastern hognose  has an amazing repertoire of defensive behaviors.  When disturbed it spreads its neck in a posture like a cobra.  It will spray musk vigorously if picked up, and will feign death if the interference continues.

It feeds mainly on frogs and toads.  Its cryptic camouflage  allow it to blend into the forest floor.  It is often mistaken for  a timber rattlesnake.

Photo © by Suzanne L. CollinsUsed by permission

Great Plains Rat Snake

Smaller and more slender than the western rat snake, this snake is the same species as the corn snake, but wears  a  camouflage color pattern more suitable to Kansas soils.

This resident of Kansas prairies  feeds on rodents.  

It is frequently misidentified and mistaken for  the similarly appearing  massasaugarattlesnake and prairie kingsnake. 

The dark line from jaw to jaw and through the eyes identifies it .  Juveniles are difficult to  distinguish from   rat snakes. 

Prairie KingsnakeAt first glance this  prairie dweller  resembles the  great plains rat snake and the massasauga rattlesnake. 

Its small head ,broad brown triangular  patch on the head and broken eye line are the signs to look for.  

Like most kingsnakes it prefers  to eat other snakes and lizards, but also feeds on rodents. 

Photo © by Suzanne L. CollinsUsed by permission

Common KingsnakeThe beautiful and secretive common  kingsnake can be found most often in the overlap habitat between woodlands andPrairies.

Its boldly speckled black on cream or yellow backgroundgives it the alternate name “speckled kingsnake”.  

Like others of its family,its diet is primarily other snakes and lizards, as wellas rodents. 

Plains Milksnake

Photo © by Suzanne L. CollinsUsed by permission

This striking member of the kingsnake family resembles the venomous coral snake (not found in Kansas). Its red, black and yellow banding are mention to confuse predators into thinking that it is venomous.

Like all kingsnakes, the plains milksnake eats other snakes, lizards, and small mice.

The Plains milksnake is found through Kansas.

Western Hognose SnakeThis gentle resident of the central Kansas prairies gets its name from the upturned snout it uses for digging into the soft sandy western Kansas soils.

Like the larger Eastern hognose, it eats primarily frogs and toads.  It also utilizes the same repertoire of dramatic defenses including the playing dead posture seen at left. 

This increasingly rare snake has been a victim of the illegal pet trade.  

Photo © by Suzanne L. CollinsUsed by permission

Timber rattlesnakeThe background color of timber rattlesnakes can vary from brown to gray.  Its cryptic camouflage allows it to blend into woodland habitat. 

While its venom is the most potent of any  snake in Kansas,the  timber rattlesnake is shy and docile.   This snake will bite only when provoked. 

The dark zigzag pattern is similar to an eastern hognose. Timber rattlesnakes can reach lengths of up to 4o inches.

They are found in Douglas County.  This snake is rare and protected. 

Photos © by Suzanne L. CollinsUsed by permission

Western Rattlesnake

Also known as the prairie rattlesnake, this common venomous snake of western Kansas has dark brown oval patches on a  tan background.  The color camouflages the snake against the prairie soils.

The nervous  and territorial disposition  of this rattlesnake makes it more  inclined to defend itself when harassed.

It is similar in appearance to the western hognose 

MassasaugaRattlesnake

This small prairie rattlesnake ranges from central to western Kansas from prairies to wetlands.  Wearing the classic prairie coloration, this snake can be mistaken for several nonvenomous, but similar looking snakes.  

Massasaugas feed on frogs, lizards, other snakes, and small rodents.

Photo © by Suzanne L. CollinsUsed by permission

CopperheadOne of Kansas’ most beautiful snakes the copper and gray banding camouflages it perfectly in its home in  the eastern woodlands.

The young copperhead carries a bright green tail which it uses as a lure for frogs and toads, its favorite food.   It also feeds on small mice. 

The potency of the copperhead’s venom has been greatly exaggerated.  While capable  of producing a painful injury, the bite of the copperhead is not lethal to humans.

Photo by Prairie Park Nature Center

Prairie RingneckThe prairie ringneck is the most common snake in Kansas. This snake shows off its reddish orange belly when disturbed.

It is secretive, and commonly hides under rocks and logs. The ringneck eats earthworms.

Photo © by Suzanne L. CollinsUsed by permission

Photo © by Suzanne L. CollinsUsed by permission

The western worm snake strongly resembles its namesake and favorite food.

The bright pink underbelly makes it frequently mistaken for an earthworm.

The worm snake grows up to 14 inches in length.

This small snake is secretive and often found under rocks and logs in wooded areas.

Photo © by Suzanne L. CollinsUsed by permission

Brown SnakeAlso known as the Texas brown snake or DeKayssnake, this snake is frequently misidentified as a baby copperhead or rattlesnake.

It grows only 10 to 16 inches in length and feeds on earthworms, slugs and snails

It is found throughout Kansas in moist, wooded areas.

Plains Garter Snake

Photos © by Suzanne L. CollinsUsed by permission

All garter snakes have lines from head to tail. Frequently found in wetlands and moist areas of the prairies and woodlands.

Common Garter Snake

The common garter snake feeds on frogs, crawfish, fish, and insects.

The lined snake is frequently spotted in suburban gardens. The lines from head to tail resemble the garter snake but it lacks the checkboard pattern on the side.

Lined snakes feed on insects,

The lined snake is very similar in appearance to Graham’s crayfish snake.

Photo © by Suzanne L. CollinsUsed by permission

The western ribbon snake is found in the eastern half of Kansas near wetlands. It is identified by its orange dorsal stripe on a black background.

The ribbon snake feeds on frogs and fish.

Rough Green SnakeThe cryptic green color of the rough 

green snake makes it difficult to find and observe in the wild. 

Feeding mainly on caterpillars and other insects, the green snake hunts in the shrubs along eastern Kansas wooded streamsides. 

This slender snake grows to lengths of about 24 inches. 

Graham’s Crayfish SnakeGraham’s crayfish snake is 

found in the eastern two thirds of the state around wetlands, streams, and lakes.  

It feeds almost exclusively on crayfish as it’s name suggests. 

It will grow up to 40 inches in length.   

Northern Water SnakeA common snake of lakes and wetlands, the northern water snake is often mistaken for a cottonmouth or copperhead because of its banding pattern and aquatic preferences.

The northern water snake feeds on fish, frogs and crayfish. It can grow to lengths of up to 45 inches.

Diamondback Water Snake

Found in the central and eastern lakes and streams of Kansas, this large water snake feeds on frogs, fish and crayfish.  

The netlike pattern on the back forms the appearance of diamond shapes.

Like other water snakes, this is often mistaken for cottonmouths and killed needlessly.    

Plainbelly water snakeThis large water snake is heavily 

patterned when young but turns darker with age. It can grow in excess of 50 inches. 

Like others of the Nerodia genus, it inhabits wetland area and feeds primarily on, frogs, fish and crayfish.

This water snake may be found at some distance from water sources.

Eastern RacerSometimes called the yellow 

bellied racer or “blue” racer due to the color variations, this common prairie snake is heavily patterned as a juvenile and solid gray green as an adult. 

The eastern racer feeds on birds, bird eggs, lizards, frogs, snakes and insects. 

Ring neck SnakeOur most common Kansas 

snake , the ringneck is a prairie inhabitant, feeding almost entirely on earthworms . The red coloration on its neck and belly is a warning signal to possible predators.

CottonmouthThe cottonmouth is known to occur only in Cherokee County and has been found mainly along the Arkansas River during times of flooding. This represents the most northly part of its range.

Many species of common watersnakes throughout are mistaken for cottonmouths and killed each year needlessly.

The cottonmouth’s mild venom is similar to the copperhead’s. It can cause severe tissue damage but rarely results in death.

Snakes By Habitat

Snakes of the WoodlandSnakes of Lakes and WetlandsSnakes of the PrairiesSnakes of the Suburbs

Snakes By Size

Big Snakes  Over 25 inches adult size

Medium   Snakes 15 to 25 inches  adult size

Small Snakes  6 to 15 inches

Snakes by Color and Pattern

Gray  and Brown Patterned snakesLined snakesBanded snakesGreen snakesBlack snakesSolid gray or brown snakesSnakes with red

The eastern or “yellow bellied” racer is a solid olive green  snake of slender build. Its occasional blue tint  has given it the nickname “blue racer”.

The rough green snake is found in streamside bushes  in eastern Kansas. It feeds mainly on insects. 

Lined snakes are lined and patterned on a dark green. background.  

Prairie RingneckOur most common Kansas  snake, it is solid gray on the back and a bright orange‐red  underside 

The CottonmouthakaWater moccasinThis  is one of the most often misidentified snakes. I t has been reported less than 20 times in the state

Black headed snakeThe  only solid brown snake found in Kansas.  This  snake is rare in its habitat. 

Western Worm snakeLike its  namesake, this snake resembles an earthworm., gray on the top and pink on the abdomen.  It s diet is  primarily   earthworms.

Patterned Snakes

Northern Watersnake

Western Hognose

Gopher snake

Eastern Hognose

Timber rattlesnake

Great Plains Rat Snake

Prairie Kingsnake

MassasaugarattlesnakeWestern

rattlesnake

Snakes With Lines

Slender glass lizards are often mistaken for snakes.  They are found in prairies. 

Garter snakes have yellow or cream colored lines from nose to tail.  There are several species. 

Ribbon snakes are named for the ribbon like lines from nose to tail.

Graham’s Crayfishsnake

Lined snake

Black Snakes

Western or black rat snakes are frequently seen climbing trees, where they are searching for birds and bird eggs.  Young western rat snakes are grey and brown patterned. 

The common or speckled kingsnake is a beautiful snake of the eastern Kansas woodland‐prairie borders.  They eat other snakes and lizards.

Banded Snakes

CopperheadCopperheads are found in  moist woodlands of eastern Kansas Their coloration allows them to blend easily against the forest floor.

Plains MilksnakeA harmless mimic of the coral snake, (which is not found in Kansas) is found in prairies throughout Kansas.

Northern water snakeOften mistaken for a cottonmouth or copperhead, it is the most common water snake around lakes and streams  in Douglas County

Snakes with Red

Plains milksnake

Prairie ringneck

Common garter snake

Snakes of the Prairies

Western hognose

Great Plains rat snake

Coach whipEastern Racer

Prairie Ringneck Prairie Kingsnake Gopher snake

Western

rattlesnakeMassasauga rattlesnake

Plains Milksnake

Snakes of Lakes & Wetlands

Northern watersnake Diamondback Watersnake Plainbelly  watersnake

CottonmouthCommon garter snake

Grahams crayfish snake

Snakes of the Woodlands

Timber rattlesnake Eastern hognose

Copperhead Common kingsnake Common garter

Western rat snake

Snakes of the Suburbs

Western rat snake Ringneck snake Common garter snake

Lined snake Brown snake

Small Snakes

Western wormsnake Ring neck snake Rough green snake

Brown snake Plains milksnake

Medium Sized Snakes

Western hognose Prairie kingsnake

Eastern racer Common kingsnake

Great Plains rat snake

Common garter snake

Lined snake

Big Snakes

Gopher snake Timber rattlesnake

Northern watersnake

Western rat snake Copperhead

Plainbelly watersnake

Coach whip

Non‐native snakes in Kansas

Eastern Diamond backed RattlesnakeIdentifying marks : yellow outlined diamond patches, raccoon tail.

Western Diamondback RattlesnakeRounded patches with yellow outlines, raccoon tail. 

In many counties and municipalities of Kansas it is illegal for individuals to keep venomous snakes or snakes in excess of 8 ft. These snakes are dangerous and may pose a threat to public safety. It is also illegal to release non native snakes to the wild. Non native snakes released to the wild may introduce disease or compete with native snakes